Bidspirit auction | Hand-Coiled Lidded Grass Fibre 'Snake-charming'

Hand-Coiled Lidded Grass Fibre 'Snake-charming' Basket with Braided Carrying Strap This hand-coiled basket is crafted from natural and dyed vegetable fibres. The vessel is constructed using a traditional hand-coiling technique where bundles of fibre are wrapped with narrow strips to form a dense, structured wall. The basket features an oval-shaped body and a corresponding fitted lid with a small central braided loop. The exterior is decorated with geometric patterns in a palette of deep red, dark green, and ochre against a natural straw-coloured background. A long, multi-strand braided carrying strap is attached to the sides, enabling transport. The interior remains unlined, showcasing the raw texture of the weave and the transitions of the dyed fibres. The construction is characteristic of North African basketry, particularly styles found in Morocco or Mali. The base is worked in a tight spiral starting from a central red-dyed strip to create a flat, stable oval footing.